This summer, students participating in the inaugural Talcott Mountain Research Institute (TMRI) Summer Program will engage in STEM research, working alongside scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and educators who are actively shaping their fields.
Beginning July 6, 2026, the four-week immersive summer experience will bring together advanced high school students and Faculty Research Mentors for hands-on research, collaboration, and discovery across STEM disciplines. Working in small groups, students will explore real research questions, test ideas, interpret results, and present their findings while building meaningful relationships with mentors and peers.
“Part of TMRI’s mission is to create an environment that supports creativity and exploration and fosters authentic work across the STEM disciplines,” says Dr. Jay White, Director of the Talcott Mountain Research Institute. “The Summer Program is powered by exceptional Faculty Research Mentors who invite students into the habits, uncertainty, and excitement of real research.”
To help students and families get to know the mentors leading this summer’s program, TMRI has released a series of short video introductions featuring each Faculty Research Mentor sharing more about their background, research interests, and excitement for the summer ahead.
Meet the 2026 Faculty Research Mentors:
Dr. Solaleh Miar
(Ph.D., University of Texas at San Antonio)
Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, University of Hartford
Hartford, Connecticut
Dr. Xin Shen
(Ph.D., University of Connecticut)
Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Hartford
Hartford, Connecticut
Dr. Per Sebastian Skardal
(Ph.D., University of Colorado at Boulder)
Marjorie V. and Robert W. Butcher Distinguished Professor of Applied Mathematics, Trinity College
Hartford, Connecticut
Dr. Olivia Soliman
(Ph.D., Cairo University)
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, University of Hartford
Hartford, Connecticut
Dr. Michael West
(Ph.D., Yale University)
Astronomer, (formerly) Lowell Observatory
Flagstaff, Arizona
Dr. Jay White
(Ph.D., Indiana University Bloomington)
Director, Talcott Mountain Research Institute
Avon, Connecticut
The mentors selected for the program bring not only impressive academic and research experience, but also a shared passion for inspiring the next generation of STEM innovators.
“Knowledge transfer is not easy, and the TMRI Summer Program will be my opportunity to connect with our young and future leaders,” says Dr. Olivia Soliman.
Dr. Michael West adds, “Discovering science as a high school student changed my life, and mentoring is how I pass that on.”
And for Dr. Sebastian Skardal, the experience is simple: “Getting the chance to work with students and research at the same time is just super fun!”
Students participating in the program will spend four weeks immersed in authentic research experiences designed to encourage curiosity, collaboration, creativity, and scientific exploration.
Watch the Faculty Research Mentor video series here:
Perched atop Talcott Mountain in Avon, Connecticut, Talcott Mountain Research Institute (TMRI) is a STEM-focused research center—an incubator for bold ideas where discovery and collaboration flourish. TMRI extends the legacy of Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy where young minds are ignited through immersive teaching and learning. TMRI serves as a hub where scientists, engineers, mathematicians, educators, and students come together to drive discovery and spark new connections across disciplines. Learn more at www.talcottscience.org.